A man wearing a Halloween costume was critically wounded during an early-morning shooting at a Houston apartment complex. The Houston Halloween costume shooting followed an apparent wrong-apartment encounter, according to police.
The incident happened around 2:20 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in the 2300 block of Bering Drive. The apartment complex is near Westheimer Road in Houston’s Greater Uptown area.
Houston Halloween Costume Shooting Under Investigation
An apartment resident woke after hearing someone moving his door handle. The person outside may have also kicked the door.
The resident’s girlfriend and their 1-year-old child were sleeping in another room. The resident asked his girlfriend whether she knew the person outside. She said she did not.
The resident then obtained an AR-15-style rifle and opened the door. An argument followed between the resident and the costumed man.
The man outside allegedly claimed that the apartment belonged to him. He then tried to push his way through the doorway.
The two men struggled while the resident attempted to force him back outside. The resident fired once, striking the man in the upper body.
Emergency crews transported the wounded man to a Houston-area hospital. He was listed in critical condition.
Possible Wrong-Apartment Mistake
Investigators believe the wounded man may live elsewhere in the same apartment complex. They are examining whether he mistakenly approached the wrong unit after returning from a party.
Alcohol may have played a role in the incident. However, that possibility had not been confirmed as of Thursday morning.
The wounded man wore an orange suit and top hat resembling a character from the movie “Dumb and Dumber.” Both men involved are believed to be in their 30s.
Authorities had not released their names. No arrests or criminal charges had been announced.
Resident Cooperating With Investigation
The resident remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Detectives are reviewing the events that led to the shooting.
The investigation will consider the alleged attempt to enter the apartment, the struggle at the doorway and the resident’s use of deadly force.
Investigators may also review surveillance video from the complex if footage is available. They have not made a final determination about what happened before the gunfire.
The apparent wrong-apartment mistake remains part of the investigation. Authorities have not independently confirmed whether the wounded man was intoxicated or returning from a Halloween gathering.
Investigation Remains Active
The incident comes days before Halloween, when costumes and late-night gatherings become more common across Houston. It also highlights the risks of approaching or entering an unfamiliar residence.
Authorities have not released an update on the wounded man’s condition. The Houston Police Department’s investigation remains active.